DOH warns leptospirosis cases may still rise in coming days

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has warned that leptospirosis cases may continue to climb in the next few days, following recent flooding in many parts of the country.

Leptospirosis, a potentially fatal bacterial infection, is commonly contracted through contact with floodwaters contaminated by animal urine, such as rodents. 

Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said the disease’s incubation period is one to two weeks, which means infections may still surface from the weekend of July 26 when heavy rains and floods hit, enhanced by the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Crising, Dante and Emong.

“Counting from that weekend, we are only a week in. Cases could still increase. We hope they won’t,” Domingo said in a Dobol B TV interview on Saturday.

"Ang warning po namin is noong July 26, noong weekend na 'yon, counting from that up to today, naka-one week pa lang tayo more or less," Domingo said in a Dobol B TV interview on Saturday morning, August 9.

(Our warning is that on July 26, that weekend, counting from then up to today, it has only been about a week.) 

"Remember po ang incubation period ng leptospirosis is one to two weeks. So maaari pang tumaas 'yung numero. Sana hindi na," he added.

(Remember, the incubation period of leptospirosis is one to two weeks. So the number of cases could still increase. Hopefully, it won’t)

From July 13 to August 6, the DOH recorded 1,272 leptospirosis cases nationwide. 

According to Domingo, cases last year during Typhoon Carina were even higher, but warned the public against being complacent.

Severe cases now in hospitals have shown complications in the kidneys, lungs and even the brain. 

The East Avenue Medical Center currently has the highest number of admitted patients, followed by San Lazaro Hospital, the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and several other Metro Manila and regional facilities.

The DOH urged those who recently waded through floodwaters to seek immediate medical attention, even if symptoms like fever or muscle pain are only beginning to appear.

Symptoms of leptospirosis typically appear within 5 to 14 days and may include high fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea and muscle pain, often confused with flu or dengue fever.

"Kahit lumampas na kayo ng isa o dalawang araw, kung may nararamdaman na lagnat o kaya pananakit ng kalamnan, huwag niyo na hintayin na mamula o manilaw ang mata o mawalan ng ihi. Pumunta na sa doktor," Domingo said.

(Even if one or two days have already passed, if you are feeling fever or muscle pain, do not wait for your eyes to turn red or yellow, or for your urine to stop. Go to the doctor immediately.)

"Pwede na kayong simulan sa antibiotic ng hindi ina-admit sa ospital," he added.

(You can already start taking antibiotics without being admitted to the hospital.)

Local governments may contact the Metro Manila Center for Health Development for assistance in locating hospitals that can accommodate leptospirosis patients.